Review

Review Summary: Finally, something that doesn't sound like everything else in the genre.

Lately there have been so many uninspired Isis-wanna-be bands popping up all over the place. The worst thing about it is that most of those bands also think that downtuning their guitars and playing sludgey riffs in whatever order they choose is "good". These bands usually have one stand-out track per album where they have seemingly just lucked out and got their power chords in a correct sequence.

So how can a band that has only been together for two years basically blow every other Post-Metal band out of the water instrumentally and not sound like they're ripping someone off? Firstly, they're entirely self-funded and this means they already have 100% passion and dedication for whatever they're creating. This doesn't mean it's going to be perfect of course. You need the creativeness and skill to back up your motivation to make a good release, and thankfully Fields Of Locust deliver.

You will often find yourself nodding your head to a riff, or just relaxing to a nice Stoner-Rock-esque passage. Opener 'The Province Of Thieves' is the most aggressive on the album. The reason for this is the overuse of vocals. They sound like a Pterodactyl screeching out of Jamey Jasta's(Hatebreed) ass. While I've slowly become accustomed to them, they're easily the only downfall of this album. Good news though. The singing is few and far between and when the vocals do come into the foray, they're usually at the correct time.

The albums standout track '...Under The Hunters Moon' overflows from the previous track with a bassline which builds into serene distorted guitars that interweave into each other. A drum pattern lets the dual guitars battle each other for a climax just after the five minute mark where vocals kick back in. The vocals are brief and in the background as to let the guitars go onward with their battle. The pivotal climax in the song is just after the seven minute mark where a solo finally overwhelms the other guitarist and takes victory. They both celebrate the occasion with a softly picked outro together. Beautiful.

If you're looking for an album to match Rosetta for the post-metal crown this year, look no further than this inspirational debut from a band who promises a lot in the future.

I disregarded Isis because of the vocals (didn't know post-metal). It was only the constant praise which made me continually relisten. However this is quite an unknown band and doesn't have that factor to support it.